Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine

The Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine is a joint venture between Mountain Province Diamonds (49%) and De Beers Canada (51%). The mine, which opened officially on 20 September 2016, consists of the Gahcho Kué kimberlite pipes, which lie underneath Kennady Lake. There are also several unexplored kimberlite occurrences scattered over several kilometres. ==Project history==

In 1993, Canamera Geological began sampling and surveying the area for Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture (now Mountain Province Diamonds). Exploration began in the area with a camp being set up in 1995. In 1997, Monopros, now De Beers Canada, took over the camp when they joined the Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture. In 1998 De Beers began sampling the kimberlite to evaluate the four Gahcho Kué pipes. More drilling followed and the positive results led to the decision to proceed. If it proceeds to an operating mine, is expected to annually mine of kimberlite, and to produce per year over an 11-year life. The Mine began production in 2016. The site consists of open pits, a concentration and recovery plant that converts kimberlite ore to rough diamonds, and support facilities including a camp, airport, and other infrastructure. As of 2020, the 5034 and Hearne pits are in full production and initial sampling of the Tuzo pit has begun. In 2020, De Beers Group announced plans for the mine to become carbon neutral by 2030. ==Traditional use==

Gahcho Kué is the traditional Chipewyan, a Dene people, name for the Kennady Lake area and in Dene Suline means "Place of the Big Rabbit". The area, also known for Barren-ground caribou, has been traditionally used by Dene from Łutselk'e and the Métis of Fort Resolution. In earlier times Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib), also Dene, people used the area as well. ==See also==